A new chapter has begun in Metro Vancouver radio as a beloved voice steps away and a new station takes the stage. Spice Radio 1200 AM, long led by Shushma Datt and her son Sudhir Datta, officially signed off on July 25, 2025. This marks the end of an era in South Asian broadcasting in the region.
Shushma Datt, a well-known figure in British Columbia’s media world, made history in 2005 when she launched Spice Radio. She became the first Canadian woman to receive a broadcasting license from the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). Over the years, Datt built a reputation for leadership and community service. Her career includes founding Radio Rimjhim and creating shows that spoke directly to South Asian audiences.
In a press statement, Datt shared her reasons for stepping away. “Now feels like the right time. I want to return to my original love—programming for seniors and elders via Rimjhim,” she said. Her son Sudhir has also decided to follow his own path. Together, they say they’re proud of what they’ve built and are ready for the next phase of life.
For decades, Datt played a key role in making sure the South Asian community in B.C. had a voice. “When our community had no television content of its own, I created it. When there was no radio that truly reflected the evolving identity of our youth, I launched Rim Jhim and later RJ1200—what became Spice Radio,” she said.
Spice Radio was more than just music and talk. It was a place where listeners could hear stories in their own languages. It offered news, music, and community updates in Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, and other South Asian languages. The station created space for cultural expression and identity in a city known for its diversity.
With Spice Radio now off the air, the broadcasting license has been transferred to a new player: Radio Swift. The new station, broadcasting on 1200 AM, aims to serve the same community with fresh energy. According to its website, Radio Swift offers a mix of news, talk shows, music, current affairs, and community-based programs. It continues the legacy of multilingual service, offering content in Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, and more.
Leading the new station is CEO Devinder Singh Benipal. He has brought together a well-known group of voices to help shape the station’s future. Among the new hosts are Nimmi Daula, a former voice at Sher-E-Punjab Radio; Jinny Sims, a former Member of Parliament; and Sameer Kaushal, who has experience at both Red FM and Sher-E-Punjab.
The new leadership says they want to build on the foundation laid by broadcasters like Datt while bringing in new ideas for a younger audience. They plan to stay rooted in community service but also explore digital tools and interactive programming to reach more listeners.
Listeners in Metro Vancouver can expect a familiar sound with a modern twist. The change comes at a time when many radio stations are evolving to meet the needs of tech-savvy audiences while holding on to cultural traditions.
For many in the South Asian community, the closure of Spice Radio may feel like a loss. But Datt’s legacy lives on—not just in past broadcasts but in the voices that will now carry the message forward. Radio Swift promises to honor that past while shaping the future of Metro Vancouver radio.
